Anatalya , Turkey -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Lapped by the pristine waters of the Mediterranean Sea , the Turkish coastal city of Antalya attracts millions of sun-seeking tourists each year , beguiling them with its sweeping scenery , picture-perfect beaches and blazing sunshine .

It is this abundance of sunlight -- Turkey receives greater annual solar radiation energy than Spain and Germany according to estimates by the Joint Research Center of the European Commission -- that has prompted Antalya 's local authorities to push ahead with plans to harness the city 's solar potential .

`` We aim to make Antalya the leader of solar power generation of Turkey and to promote it to the world as ` The Solar City , ' '' says Antalya 's mayor Mustafa Akaydin .

The declaration comes as the sun-soaked city , located some 700 kilometers south of Istanbul , starts rolling out its ambitious plans to use solar power to generate electricity , emulating the successful example of cities like Barcelona , Spain , which has put in place regulations requiring solar panels to be fitted to all large new buildings .

In April , the city opened the `` Antalya Solar House , '' an ecological research and educational center designed by architectural firm Temiz Dunya to raise awareness about the benefits of renewable energy and promote eco-tourism .

The zero-emission structure , which was built with ecological materials , generates most of its energy using photovoltaic panels -LRB- 22kW in total -RRB- as well as a windmill and heat pumps .

` Living ' buildings could inhale city carbon emissions

These systems are supplemented with gray-water recycling -- re-use of used water from bathtubs , showers and so on . -- and passive solar heating features such as a greenhouse to collect heat during the winter months . It also has a green roof that facilitates rainwater harvesting and acts as heat insulation .

`` The building is also very significant because it is Turkey 's first energy positive building , '' says architect Mehmet Bengu Uluengin , the designer behind the Solar House . `` It actually produces more energy than it consumes . ''

The architect says the structure has fascinated the local population while helping to change perceptions that buildings can only be big energy consumers .

`` The idea that having a building that not only provides its own energy but actually gives some back is a totally new phenomenon for Turkish people , '' says Uluengin , who is also a professor at Istanbul 's Bahcesehir University . `` They like it , they find it very intriguing . ''

Local authorities expect around a thousand people to visit Solar House each month , including students , green investors and hotel owners . They say the project is just the first part of a long-term initiative to turn Antalya into a climate-friendly city -- other initiatives include a waste management facility that will convert the city 's sewage into biogas .

`` Antalya has already been the pioneering city of green energy -LRB- in Turkey -RRB- , '' says Akaydin . `` We are trying to make Antalya the leader of agriculture , tourism , park and garden lighting , energy generating and -LRB- solar -RRB- panel producing . ''

While educating the local population about achieving energy efficiency , Uluengin says the technology used in the Solar House can also help Antalya -- Turkey 's biggest coastal resort and home to several five-star hotels -- to become an ideal destination for eco-conscious tourists .

`` There are several hotels which are considering green energy to attract customers , '' he says .

`` A hotel which can say that ... if you 're staying here your carbon footprint is zero for the duration of your stay -- this is becoming very interesting for people worldwide , '' he adds .

For the moment , however , sunny Antalya is still far from being branded a green resort -- local authorities estimate that eco-visitors account for just 1 % of the city 's tourism .

Mayor Akaydin says that Turkey is missing a trick by failing to exploit its clean energy capabilities .

`` Turkey has a very big potential in solar and wind energy . Unfortunately , the insufficient and wrong policies of the government prevent the promotion of them , '' he says .

Turkey 's geothermal potential

Despite receiving plenty of sun , Turkey has been remarkably sluggish in developing a sound solar industry . The country still depends heavily on oil and natural gas , most of which is imported from abroad .

In 2008 , oil provided 37 % of Turkey 's total final consumption of energy , natural gas and electricity 18 % each , coal 17 % , biomass and waste 7 % and other sources 3 % , according to figures by the International Energy Agency .

At the same time , limited government subsidies , coupled with high costs for green energy equipment , have further impeded the market 's growth , leaving little incentives for households to go solar .

Yet , Uluengin is optimistic that green initiatives like the one in Antalya can help Turkey 's green energy sector to take off in the coming years .

He notes that the lack of government incentives has bolstered Turkey 's fledgling renewable energy industry by creating a solid and growing grassroots movement -- that , he says , is in contrast to the top-down approach that was implemented in other European countries , where the sector grew after governments started offering subsidies and incentives for green energy usage .

`` The way we are going through it in Turkey is more painful but is also healthier because it is growing out of real demand , '' says Uluengin .

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Antalya has launched a long-term initiative to become a climate-friendly city

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Turkey 's tourist hotspot wants to use solar power to generate electricity

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The country has been slow in developing a sound solar industry